ACCELERATED BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN SOON FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE PAWTUCKET AVENUE BRIDGE IN EAST PROVIDENCE

6/20/2017 UPDATE:

Over the past week, we completed the Phase II concrete deck closure pours and bridge curbing and the approach slabs. Reconstruction of the Pawtucket Avenue approaches is currently underway. Next week, we will place concrete for bridge sidewalks, parapets, and wingwalls, and finish waterproofing the bridge deck. We will install curbing and sidewalks on the east side of Pawtucket Avenue.

5/17/2017 UPDATE:

Traffic Advisory: Accelerated Bridge Construction Continues this Weekend for Replacement of the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge in East Providence
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is moving ahead swiftly with the replacement of the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge over I-195 in East Providence with the project running ahead of schedule. Amended plans developed by the Department's project management team will more than cut in half the total number of proposed weekend bridge closures and associated highway lane shifts.

The next step of the project begins on Friday, May 19 at 7 p.m. with the closure of the bridge to all traffic. This will allow RIDOT to demolish the remaining portions of the old bridge. Originally the Department set aside two weekends for this work, but through close coordination with its contractor, they were compressed into one single weekend of work.

"This is another sign of the new way of doing business at RIDOT," Director Peter Alviti Jr. said. "Instead of sitting back and just following the predetermined schedule, our project managers have worked diligently to reduce the overall impact to the motoring public and get the bridge done as quickly as possible."

The Department already is employing accelerated bridge construction methods to replace the structure in just four months. Using traditional construction methods, it would have taken two years to complete the work.

Further compressing the schedule, RIDOT was able to quickly install beams for the new bridge during overnight hours with brief highway closures as opposed to full weekend closures. Combined, the amended plan for the bridge work proposed by the project management team has reduced the overall number of weekend closures from eight to just three.

At the conclusion of the next weekend closure on Monday, May 22, traffic on the bridge will be shifted to the new half of the bridge, which RIDOT built over the last several weeks. This represents the halfway point of the project, approximately two weeks ahead of schedule. The Department will work to further reduce the duration of the work, originally set to wrap up in August.

Another significant change is a full closure of the East Shore Expressway northbound to I-195 West. This will alleviate long delays for drivers on both the Expressway and I-195 West during weekend closures. A signed detour has been established using Wampanoag Trail, Pawtucket Avenue and Veterans Memorial Parkway to reach I-195 West. This only will be in effect for weekend closures.

Bridge, Ramp and Lane Closure Specifics

Lane restrictions for both the bridge and I-195 will be in place throughout the duration of the project. The most disruptive restrictions take place during the weekend closures.

Below is specific closure information for the bridge, I-195 and nearby highway on- and off-ramps:

Pawtucket Avenue Bridge

Weekend Closures: The bridge will be closed to all traffic. The closure details are as follows:

Bridge closed from 7 p.m. Friday, May 19 through 6 a.m. Monday, May 22.
Traffic on Pawtucket Avenue will be directed to follow a signed detour using Grosvenor Avenue, Broadway and Warren Avenue.
The I-195 West on-ramp, located just north of the bridge, will be closed.
Pedestrian access may be limited, but flaggers will be present to aid anyone needing to walk across the bridge.
Duration of Project: As of Monday, May 22, RIDOT will shift two-way traffic on the bridge to the newly constructed western side as we work to rebuild the eastern side. The closure details are as follows:

A continued reduction in the number of travel lanes from four to two.
Left turns from Pawtucket Avenue northbound to I-195 West on-ramp, located just north of the bridge, are not permitted (follow signed detour using Warren Avenue).
Two-way traffic maintained during peak travel periods; overnight lane closures and detours are possible.
I-195 East and West

Weekend Closures: Lane closures and lane shifts will be needed. The closure details are as follows:

I-195 reduced from three travel lanes to two in each direction from 7 p.m. Friday, May 19 through 6 a.m. Monday, May 22.
Auxiliary lanes in both directions for on- and off-ramp traffic will be closed.
On Friday night and Saturday, all traffic will shift onto I-195 westbound travel lanes to allow for safe demolition of the bridge over eastbound lanes.
On Saturday night and Sunday, all traffic will shift onto I-195 eastbound travel lanes to allow for safe demolition of the bridge over westbound lanes.
Duration of Project: Lane closures and lane shifts will be needed. The closure details are as follows:

On I-195 East, between Exit 6 (Broadway) and the Massachusetts state line, motorists need to use the far right lane to access Exit 7 (Rte. 114). The two left lanes are for I-195 East through traffic only. The right lane also can be used for access to Exit 8 (Warren Ave.) or to continue on I-195 East into Massachusetts.
I-195 Ramps

Weekend Closures: Merging distances will be reduced for traffic exiting and entering the highway just east of the bridge. The closure details are as follows:

The East Shore Expressway to I-195 West will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. on Monday, May 22. Follow signed detour using Wampanoag Trail, Pawtucket Avenue and Veterans Memorial Parkway to reach I-195 West.
The Warren Avenue on-ramp to I-195 West, located approximately ¼ mile west of the intersection with Highland Avenue (close to Rumford Pet Center) will be closed overnight Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following day. Traffic will follow Warren Avenue westbound toward two other on-ramps to I-195 West (via Broadway or after Potter Street).
The exit for East Shore Expressway from I-195 East (Exit 7), located immediately after the work zone, will remain open for vehicles in the right travel lane.
Duration of Project: Lane closures and lane shifts will be needed. The closure details are as follows:

The far right lane for the East Shore Expressway/Route 114 off-ramp to Barrington on I-195 East at Exit 7 is closed. Traffic using the Warren Avenue on-ramp to I-195 East must merge with traffic in the right lane of 195.
On I-195 East, between Exit 6 (Broadway) and the Massachusetts state line, motorists need to use the far right lane to access Exit 7 (Rte. 114). The two left lanes are for I-195 East through traffic only. The right lane also can be used for access to Exit 8 (Warren Ave.) or to continue on I-195 East into Massachusetts. Originally built in 1959, the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge is located between Warren Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue and carries 23,000 vehicles per day. It is one of the most heavily traveled bridges in East Providence.
The replacement of the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT's ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development, and create jobs. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

All dates and times are weather-dependent and subject to change. To sign up for weekly updates on this or other RIDOT projects around the state, contact help@ridot.net. Visit www.dot.ri.gov or follow RIDOTnews on Facebook or Twitter for timely information on construction projects and traffic conditions.

4/28/2017 UPDATE:

We need to temporarily close the on-ramp from Pawtucket Avenue South to I-195 West in East Providence early Saturday morning through early Monday morning to reconstruct it. The specifics are below.
East Providence: The on-ramp from Pawtucket Ave. South to I-195 West, will be closed for reconstruction, Saturday morning, April 29 at 7 a.m. through Monday morning, May 1 at 6 a.m. The ramp remains closed for northbound traffic on Pawtucket Ave. until this summer. Please follow signed detour using Warren Ave.

4/12/2017 UPDATE:

RIPTA will detour Routes 33 (Riverside) and 34 (East Providence) to accommodate Rhode Island Department of Transportation construction on the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge over I-195 in East Providence. The detour will begin at 7pm on Friday, April 14, 2017 and continue through 6am on Monday, April 17, 2017. Route 34 will not serve Pawtucket Avenue or Warren Avenue between Pawtucket Avenue and Broadway. Route 33 will not serve Pawtucket Avenue north of Warren Avenue. Passengers should expect delays on Route 33. Details: https://goo.gl/DWBspQ

04/10/2017 UPDATE:

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced the second in a series of weekend Interstate lane restrictions and bridge closures associated with the replacement of the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge over I-195 in East Providence. The next weekend closure begins Friday night, April 14.

At the conclusion of the second weekend closure, there will be a new restrictions in place for I-195 traffic. Effective Monday, April 17, a lane shift will be in place for both directions of travel. Additionally, I-195 East at Exit 7 will be re-striped with one less travel lane continuing on into Massachusetts. There only will be two through lanes and one exit-only lane. The center lane will have the option of exiting or continuing through on I-195 East.

04/07/2017 UPDATE:

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists of lane restrictions and road closures associated with the replacement of the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge over I-195 in East Providence, scheduled to begin tomorrow night, Friday, April 7. All dates and times are weather-dependent and subject to change.

To complete the work as quickly as possible and minimize impact to motorists, pedestrians and area businesses, the Department will be using accelerated bridge construction methods to replace it in just four months. Using traditional construction methods, it would have taken two years to complete the work.

To complete the work in the 120-day compressed timeframe, RIDOT will institute a number of traffic pattern changes. Lane restrictions for both the bridge and I-195 will be in place throughout the duration of the project. The most disruptive restrictions will take place during a series of eight weekend closures, the first scheduled to begin on Friday. RIDOT strongly recommends motorists plan ahead, provide extra travel time and consider alternate routes.

Schedule postponed one week because of expected rain and snow
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced that it is postponing the planned closure of the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge over I-195 in East Providence because of the forecast for adverse weather with rain and snow expected Friday and Saturday.

The bridge closure is now scheduled to begin Friday, April 7 at 7 p.m., reopening by 6 a.m. on Monday, April 10. Required lane shifts for I-195 as part of this work cannot be implemented in the expected weather conditions.

RIDOT is closing the bridge as part of its reconstruction, and needs to do so to allow for safe demolition of a portion of the bridge. The Department is using accelerated bridge construction methods to replace it in just four months. Using traditional construction methods, it would have taken two years to complete the work.

RIDOT will provide an update on the expected work early next week.

To complete the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge replacement in the 120-day compressed timeframe, RIDOT will institute a number of traffic pattern changes. Lane restrictions for both the bridge and I-195 will be in place throughout the duration of the project. The most disruptive restrictions will take place during a series of eight weekend closures, the first scheduled to begin on April 7. RIDOT strongly recommends motorists plan ahead, provide extra travel time and consider alternate routes.

Maps of recommended detour routes, including turn-by-turn directions, are posted on RIDOT's website at www.ridot.net/PawtucketAveBridge .

3/27/2017 UPDATE:

Pawtucket Avenue Bridge, East Providence

As we prepare to replace the bridge, we relocated all overhead utilities to their temporary pole locations, removed all barrier and placed gravel to support the new asphalt for the temporary crossovers on I-195. We began work on the support system needed to build the new structure while maintaining traffic across the bridge. Continuing these activities next week will require left lane closures on Pawtucket Avenue North and South, from Warren Avenue to Waterman Avenue, Saturday-Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day.

Next week, we're also planning to remove the overhead signage, install some temporary construction signage, pave the I-195 crossover, and install the new barrier that will remain during our demolition process. Left lane and shoulder closures are anticipated during these operations on I-195 East, from Exit 6 (Warren Avenue) to Exit 8 (Route 6), and I-195 West, from the Massachusetts state line to Exit 6 (Broadway), Saturday-Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day.

The first weekend closure of Pawtucket Avenue and the traffic shift on I-195 East and West is scheduled for Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m.

Construction time cut by 80 percent; series of weekend bridge closures will be necessary.

As part of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation's (RIDOT) ongoing commitment to repair Rhode Island's structurally deficient bridges, it will soon begin the replacement of the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge over I-195 in East Providence. To complete the work as quickly as possible and minimize impact to motorists, pedestrians and area businesses, the Department will be using accelerated bridge construction methods to replace it in just four months. Using traditional construction methods, it would have taken two years to complete the work.

"Although much different than the rapid bridge replacement project we finished last fall in East Providence, this bridge shares the same fate - it had deteriorated to the point where we had to install timber blocks to help support it and keep it open," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. said. "Our RhodeWorks program provides the funding for us to rapidly erase bad bridges like this from our landscape, and, more importantly, brings Rhode Island's bridges into a state of good repair so they never reach such advanced states of deterioration."

Originally built in 1959, the Pawtucket Avenue Bridge is located between Warren Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue and carries 23,000 vehicles per day. It is one of the most heavily traveled bridges in East Providence.

To complete the work in the 120-day compressed timeframe, RIDOT will institute a number of traffic pattern changes. Lane restrictions for both the bridge and I-195 will be in place throughout the duration of the project. The most disruptive restrictions will take place during a series of eight weekend closures, the first scheduled to begin on Friday, March 31. RIDOT strongly recommends motorists plan ahead, provide extra travel time and consider alternate routes.

Below is specific closure information for the bridge, I-195 and nearby highway on- and off-ramps:

Pawtucket Avenue Bridge

Weekend Closures: The bridge will be closed to all traffic. The closure details are as follows:
Bridge closed from 7 p.m. Friday, March 31 through 6 a.m. Monday, April 3.
Traffic on Pawtucket Avenue will be directed to follow a signed detour using Grosvenor Avenue, Broadway and Warren Avenue
The I-195 West on-ramp, located just north of the bridge, will be closed
Pedestrian access may be limited, but flaggers will be present to aid anyone needing to walk across the bridge
Duration of Project: RIDOT will close the western side of the bridge and establish two-way traffic on the other side. The closure details are as follows:
Lane restriction in effect as of April 3, following the reopening of the bridge after the first weekend closure
Reduce the number of travel lanes from four to two
Left turns for Pawtucket Avenue northbound to I-195 West on-ramp, located just north of the bridge, will not be permitted (follow signed detour using Warren Avenue)
Two-way traffic maintained during peak travel periods; overnight lane closures and detours are possible
I-195 East and West

Weekend Closures: Lane closures and lane shifts will be needed. The closure details are as follows:
I-195 reduced from three travel lanes to two in each direction from 7 p.m. Friday, March 31 through 6 a.m. Monday, April 3
Auxiliary lanes in both directions for on- and off-ramp traffic will be closed
All traffic will shift onto I-195 eastbound travel lanes to allow for safe demolition of the bridge over westbound lane
Duration of Project: Lane closures and lane shifts will be needed. The closure details are as follows:
All lanes will shift to the right effective Monday, April 10
The right lane will become an exit-only lane on I-195 East at Exit 7 effective Monday, April 10. There will be only two through lanes on this part of the highway.
Another lane shift planned for late Spring
I-195 Ramps

Weekend Closures: Merging distances will be reduced for traffic exiting and entering the highway just east of the bridge. The closure details are as follows:
The East Shore Expressway on-ramp will be reduced from two lanes to one
With auxiliary lanes closed on the highway, traffic entering I-195 West from the East Shore Expressway will have to stop and yield before entering the highway
The exit for East Shore Expressway from I-195 East (Exit 7), located immediately after the work zone, will remain open for vehicles in the right travel lane
Duration of Project: Lane closures and lane shifts will be needed. The closure details are as follows:
Today there are two lanes for the East Shore Expressway/Route 114 to Barrington on I-195 East at Exit 7. The far right lane will be closed effective Monday, April 10
The highway will be restriped to include two through lanes and one exit-only lane at Exit 7. The center lane will have the option of exiting or continuing through on I-195 East

The second weekend closure is scheduled to take place the following week, April 7-10. Additional closures are scheduled to take place in late April/early May, early June and early July. All weekend closures will follow the same schedule (7 p.m. Friday - 6 a.m. Monday). RIDOT has established steep fines in its contract language to prevent the closures from extending into the morning commuting hours each Monday. Additionally, there is a $20,000 per day incentive/disincentive provision to encourage the contractor to reduce the overall closure time or to assess a penalty beyond the 120-day period.

Maps of recommended detour routes, including turn-by-turn directions, will be posted on RIDOT's website at www.ridot.net/detourmaps.

All dates are weather-dependent and subject to change. To sign up for weekly updates on this or other RIDOT projects around the state, contact help@ridot.net. Visit www.dot.ri.gov or follow RIDOTnews on Facebook or Twitter for timely information on construction projects and traffic conditions.